Chapter 8 - THE PRICE OF POWER
That evening, the storm finally cleared over the city, leaving a bright sky painted in shades of purple and gold.
I stood on the balcony of Desmond's cliffside estate, watching the waves crash against the rocks below. The air was crisp and clean, carrying the scent of pine and salt water.
Footsteps sounded behind me—slow, measured, and solid.
Desmond walked out onto the balcony, wrapping a heavy cashmere coat around my shoulders. He stood behind me, sliding his strong arms around my waist and pulling my back against his chest.
"The council unanimously recognized my leadership," Desmond murmured against my hair. "The Moretti family has surrendered their shipping docks. The city is quiet."
"And what about you?" I asked softly, turning in his arms to look up at him. "Are you quiet inside?"
Desmond looked down at me, his icy eyes softer than I had ever seen them. "For the first time in my life, yes."
He reached into his pocket and pulled out a small velvet box, opening it to reveal a stunning solitaire diamond ring that caught the light of the setting sun.
"I built an empire on violence, Clara," Desmond said, his voice deep and rough with emotion. "I spent my whole life surrounded by men who obeyed me out of fear. But you... you pulled the blanket off my legs, you yelled at my lieutenants, and you saved my life when the world was burning down around us."
He slipped the ring onto my finger, his thumb gently stroking my skin.
"I don't want a nursemaid, Clara," he whispered, looking straight into my eyes. "I want a queen. Stay with me. Rule this city at my side."
I looked at the ring, then up at the man everyone in the state feared—the man who had walked out of a wheelchair to reclaim his throne. Beneath the cold reputation and the ruthless power, I saw the man who loved me with every beat of his heart.
"On one condition," I said, a playful smile touching my lips.
Desmond raised an eyebrow. "Name it."
"You still have to do your leg stretches every morning," I said. "And you don't get to fire me."
May you like
Desmond laughed—a rich, booming sound that shook his chest. He pulled me close, lifting me off my feet, and kissed me deeply under the evening sky.
"Deal," he whispered against my lips.
